Nationally recognized leader Anna Maria Chávez will bring her message of values-driven leadership and community impact to Midland later this month as the featured speaker in Midland College’s Davidson Distinguished Lecture Series.
Chávez, a nationally recognized leader, is scheduled to speak at a free public event on March 26 from 7–8 p.m. at the Al G. Langford Chaparral Center. According to a news release, Chávez is the former chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of the USA and is widely credited with modernizing the organization and positioning it among the most innovative nonprofits in the world. She has been named by Fortune as one of the “50 Greatest Leaders,” inducted into the STEM Leadership Hall of Fame, and recognized by Fast Company as one of its most creative people in business. Her current work focuses on preparing the next generation of changemakers (source).
College leaders say the visit reflects Midland College’s commitment to creating accessible opportunities for residents to engage directly with influential voices. Organizers expect Chávez’s experiences in public service, education, and nonprofit leadership to resonate with students, educators, and community members interested in strengthening local leadership capacity and expanding opportunity (source).
Born in rural Arizona to Mexican-American parents who emphasized education and service, Chávez earned degrees from Yale University and the University of Arizona College of Law. She has led national organizations including the National Council on Aging and the National School Boards Association, and currently serves as chief impact officer for Encantos, an educational platform focused on 21st-century skills. Admission to the lecture is free, with general seating available to the public and preferred seating reserved for Friends of the Series members (source).
Midland College has secured multiple NJCAA national titles in golf and basketball (official website). The college contributes to community development by empowering students to enhance their local areas (official website). Over time, Midland College expanded its campus facilities through bond issues and donations (official website). Dr. Damon Kennedy leads Midland College as its president (official website), which focuses on providing student-centered pathways to academic and professional success through programs that promote excellence and opportunity (official website).
The upcoming lecture is part of Midland College’s ongoing efforts to bring prominent figures to campus for community engagement.